Pavement Whispers: Volume 554 April 21
From news of a dirty soda dispensary in The Valley to a New Mexico-inspired eatery coming to Stafford, The Weekend Edition is always on the search for the latest food news in Brisbane, dedicated to ensuring its readers are in the know. When we put our ears to the pavement this week, this is what we found out …
What’s Poppin’
Ever tried a dirty soda? The American-style beverage has taken social media by storm, with videos of the colourful drinks flooding our feeds as of late. The soda, which is typically customised with cream, flavoured syrups and fruit juices, is starting to catch on in Brisbane, with the crew behind What’s Poppin’ leading the charge. After starting the business from the back of a pink-hued trailer in 2024, owners Madi and Will are now taking the next step, opening a dirty soda dispensary in the heart of Fortitude Valley. In a few weeks, the crew will cut the ribbon on the cosy site, located at the entrance to California Lane. The new venue will offer an enhanced menu with larger sizes and new energy-based drinks, while retaining popular items like the top-selling Sodies (Coca-Cola, fresh lime, coconut and coconut cream) and the fruit-forward Slay (Sprite spiked with pineapple, passionfruit and fresh lemon). Keep your eyes peeled for more on What’s Poppin’ when it opens.
Jiva on Brunswick
Fortitude Valley’s nightlife will take on a new dimension next month when Jiva on Brunswick opens its doors on Friday May 15. Taking over the former Lang’s Lounge site, Jiva is a mood-driven cocktail bar where music and atmosphere move in sync, with its operators channeling a lifelong love of music into a space that hums with rhythm. DJs will take pride of place at the front of the venue from Wednesday to Sunday, curating set lists blending soul, funk, R&B, Afro house and amapiano, while behind the bar, a tight list of signature cocktails and globally inspired pours nods to flavours from South Africa to South America. Jiva will boast a vibrant aesthetic, with warm hues and expressive artwork, with indoor and outdoor spaces designed to encourage guests to unwind and feel at ease, thanks to good music, good drinks and an all-are-welcome approachability. Jiva’s opening night will feature a performance by Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter and artist Bantu, whose unique blend of Afro house and amapiano will kick things off on the right note.
NIIWA
James Street newcomer NIIWA has been steadily cultivating a loyal following since it opened earlier this year, with its Japanese-inspired menu of share-style eats and inventive cocktails proving to be a hit with Fortitude Valley foodies. Earlier this month, the chic eatery launched its own weekend breakfast series, with head chef Winston Law putting forth a menu of refined morning fare that blends modern and traditional techniques. Anchoring the menu is a range of Japanese-style sandos – fried slices of shokupan encasing your choice of Japanese egg salad or vanilla whipped cream. Also on the menu are matcha pancakes with maple syrup, kinako, vanilla ice-cream and seasonal berries, Tokyo-style eggs Benedict with miso hollandaise sauce, glossy omurice and wagyu breakfast burgers. NIIWA’s breakfast is available every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00–10:30 am. Get more info in The Directory.
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Sancho Taqueria & Tequileria
Stafford is set to welcome something a little different with the arrival of Sancho Taqueria & Tequileria in June. The latest concept from the team behind Oh Boy, Bok Choy! and Farmhouse Kedron will spotlight the distinct, often-overlooked cuisine of New Mexico. Drawing on founder Amanda Scott’s personal connection to the region, the approachable 90-seat venue will pair a casual, colour-soaked aesthetic with a taco-led menu shaped by Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican and American influences, alongside a tight selection of tequila and mezcal. With consultant chef Julius Villamor helping to craft a flavour-driven offering featuring flavour-packed salsas and traditional techniques, Sancho is positioned as a thoughtful, story-led addition to Brisbane’s dining scene rather than a trend-driven take on Mexican fare. Get the full scoop here.
Australian Interior Design Awards
The shortlist for this year’s Australian Interior Design Awards has been announced, with a number of Queensland venues vying for the top gong in the competitive Hospitality Design category. Earning a nod in the 2026 shortlist are Studio Plenty for Bar Monte, JuliaCoxCo for Fountainhead Winehouse, J.AR Office for Marlowe and Golden Avenue, Alexander &CO. for LiTO and Haven at Mondrian Gold Coast. The list of award winners will be published on Friday June 12 – click here to see the full shortlist for Hospitality Design and other award categories.
If you’ve heard something that’s worth mentioning in The Weekend Edition’s Pavement Whispers, email [email protected].
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